Question 1

Which of the following best describes a 'complex life cycle' as discussed in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

A life cycle where there are at least two distinct stages that may differ in morphology, habitat, physiology, or behavior.

Question 2

The principle of allocation states that:

Accepted Answer

Evolution produces phenotypes that allocate limited resources between competing physiological processes to maximize fitness.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of phenotypic plasticity?

Accepted Answer

A single genotype producing different phenotypes under different environmental conditions.

Question 4

In the context of life history strategies, what is a trade-off?

Accepted Answer

A compromise between two traits, such as producing many small offspring or fewer large offspring.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why some amphibians develop faster in temporary ponds?

Accepted Answer

Temporary ponds dry up quickly, so there is strong selection pressure to develop before the pond disappears.

Question 6

Senescence is defined as:

Accepted Answer

A decline in the fitness of an organism due to physiological deterioration.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a component of an organism’s life history?

Accepted Answer

Color of the organism

Question 8

A species of fish has pelagic larvae and benthic adults. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A complex life cycle

Question 9

If a plant species produces a large number of small seeds, what is a likely trade-off according to the principle of allocation?

Accepted Answer

Each seed will have less stored energy, reducing individual seedling survival.

Question 10

Which of the following equations best represents the concept of fitness in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

$$W = \sum_{i=1}^{n} s_i \cdot r_i$$

Question 11

A population of rabbits experiences high predation pressure. Which life history trait is most likely to be favored by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Early reproduction and more offspring

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates selective mortality?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with certain traits are more likely to survive than others due to predation or environmental pressures.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of direct development?

Accepted Answer

A salamander species that hatches from the egg as a juvenile, skipping the larval stage.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes a 'life history strategy'?

Accepted Answer

The overall average pattern in life history events of a species.

Question 15

Which of the following is a likely outcome of phenotypic plasticity in amphibians exposed to predators?

Accepted Answer

Development of traits that increase survival, such as faster swimming or altered body shape.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a reason why organisms die, according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Unlimited resources

Question 17

A perennial plant is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An organism that lives for more than one year.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why life history traits are often genetically determined but not perfectly adapted?

Accepted Answer

Life history traits are subject to evolutionary constraints and trade-offs.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a trade-off between growth and development?

Accepted Answer

Faster development in amphibians leading to smaller adult body size.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between seed mass and number of seeds produced in plants?

Accepted Answer

There is a trade-off: producing more seeds usually means each seed is smaller.

3.2Life History Strategies and Variation in Organisms

Study Guide - Practice Questions